As a graphic designer, I'm always drawn to games that offer a visually pleasing experience. But as a lover of strategy and management games, I'm constantly on the lookout for online games that offer a challenging and engaging gameplay. Enter online management games - a genre that has been steadily gaining popularity among gamers of all ages. In this review, we'll take a closer look at some of the best management games available online and what makes them worth playing.
Management games, as the name suggests, are all about managing resources, time, and people. They require players to think strategically, plan ahead, and make tough decisions. These games are not only fun to play, but they also help improve critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Online management games, in particular, offer a unique experience that allows players to compete against each other from all over the world. So, without further ado, let's dive into the world of online management games.
1. RollerCoaster Tycoon
RollerCoaster Tycoon is a classic management game that has been around since the late 90s. The online version of the game, RollerCoaster Tycoon World, offers a new and improved experience that allows players to build and manage their own amusement park. The game starts with a blank slate, and it's up to the player to design and build their park from scratch. Players can choose from a variety of rides, attractions, and shops to build, and they must manage their finances, staff, and customers to keep their park running smoothly.
Designing Your Park
The first step in RollerCoaster Tycoon World is designing your park. Players can choose from a variety of themes, including Western, Sci-Fi, and Adventure, and they can customize every aspect of their park, from the layout to the decorations. The game offers a wide range of building and landscaping tools that allow players to create their dream park. Building roller coasters is the most challenging part of the game, as players must take into account the physics of the ride and ensure that it's safe for their customers.
Managing Your Finances
Managing your finances is a crucial part of RollerCoaster Tycoon World. Players must keep track of their income and expenses, and they must make sure that their park is profitable. They can set the prices of their rides and attractions, hire staff, and invest in marketing to attract more customers. Players must also take into account the maintenance and repair costs of their park, as well as the wages of their staff.
Keeping Your Customers Happy
Keeping your customers happy is the key to success in RollerCoaster Tycoon World. Players must ensure that their park is clean, safe, and entertaining. They can hire entertainers to keep their customers entertained, and they must provide food, drinks, and restrooms to keep them comfortable. Players must also take into account the preferences and needs of their customers, such as the age group and the thrill level they prefer.
2. Football Manager
Football Manager is a sports management game that allows players to take control of their favorite football team. The game offers a realistic experience that requires players to manage every aspect of their team, from the tactics to the transfers. The game has a large and dedicated fan base, and it's considered one of the best sports management games available online.
Building Your Team
The first step in Football Manager is building your team. Players can choose from a variety of teams from different leagues around the world, and they can customize every aspect of their team, from the formation to the player roles. The game offers a large database of players, and players must scout and sign new players to improve their team. Players must also manage their budget and negotiate with other teams to acquire new players.
Tactics and Training
Tactics and training are crucial in Football Manager. Players must choose the right tactics for their team and adjust them based on the opponents they face. They must also manage the training of their players and make sure that they're in good physical and mental condition. The game offers a detailed analysis of each game, and players must use this information to adjust their tactics and make substitutions.
Managing Your Club
Managing your club is the key to success in Football Manager. Players must keep track of their finances, staff, and facilities, and they must make sure that their club is profitable. Players must also manage the morale and motivation of their players, and they must deal with the media and the fans. Players can also participate in international competitions and manage their national team.
3. Farmville
Farmville is a farming simulation game that allows players to grow and manage their own farm. The game has been around since 2009 and has become one of the most popular management games available online. The game offers a relaxing and casual experience that requires players to manage their crops, animals, and resources.
Growing Your Crops
Growing crops is the main activity in Farmville. Players must choose the right crops to plant based on the season and the soil type, and they must water and fertilize them to ensure a good harvest. Players must also protect their crops from pests and other hazards and harvest them at the right time. The game offers a wide range of crops, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers, and players can also trade their crops with other players.
Managing Your Animals
Managing animals is another important aspect of Farmville. Players can raise a variety of animals, including cows, chickens, and pigs, and they must take care of them by feeding, grooming, and milking them. The game also allows players to breed their animals and sell their products, such as milk, eggs, and wool. Players can also participate in animal shows and win prizes.
Decorating Your Farm
Decorating your farm is a fun and creative part of Farmville. Players can customize their farm by adding decorations, such as fences, trees, and buildings. The game offers a wide range of decorations, and players can also buy new themes and designs. Players can also visit other players' farms and rate them based on their creativity and design.
4. SimCity
SimCity is a city-building simulation game that allows players to design and manage their own city. The game has been around since 1989 and has become one of the most iconic management games of all time. The online version of the game, SimCity BuildIt, offers a new and improved experience that allows players to compete with each other from all over the world.
Building Your City
Building your city is the first step in SimCity BuildIt. Players must design and build their city from scratch, starting with the roads and the residential areas. Players can choose from a variety of buildings, including schools, hospitals, and police stations, and they must manage their finances and resources to keep their city running smoothly. The game offers a wide range of challenges, such as natural disasters and traffic congestion, that players must overcome.
Managing Your Resources
Managing your resources is a crucial part of SimCity BuildIt. Players must keep track of their income and expenses, and they must make sure that their city is profitable. They can set the taxes for their citizens, invest in infrastructure, and trade with other players. Players must also manage their utilities, such as water and electricity, and make sure that their citizens are happy and healthy.
Competing with Other Players
Competing with other players is the main feature of SimCity BuildIt. Players can join clubs and compete with other cities from all over the world. They can participate in challenges and events and win prizes. Players can also visit other players' cities and trade resources. The game offers a social experience that allows players to connect with each other and share their progress.
5. Game Dev Tycoon
Game Dev Tycoon is a business simulation game that allows players to start their own game development company. The game offers a unique experience that requires players to manage every aspect of their company, from the game design to the marketing. The game has a retro-style design that appeals to gamers who grew up in the 80s and 90s.
Developing Your Games
Developing games is the main activity in Game Dev Tycoon. Players must choose the right genre and platform for their game and design it from scratch. They must manage the development process, from the coding to the artwork, and make sure that their game is bug-free. Players can also hire staff to help them with the development process and train them to improve their skills.
Marketing Your Games
Marketing your games is another important aspect of Game Dev Tycoon. Players must create a buzz around their game by investing in advertising and attending events. They must also manage the hype and expectations of their fans and deal with the media. Players can also participate in game conferences and win awards.
Managing Your Company
Managing your company is the key to success in Game Dev Tycoon. Players must keep track of their finances, staff, and facilities, and they must make sure that their company is profitable. They can invest in research and development to improve their games and create new technologies. Players